Kick those clunky clogs under the bed! Toss the platforms and flatforms into the back of the closet!
Why?
Feminity has returned to footwear. (Yes!)
This season, you'll have endless opportunities to make your feet look pretty — and it's not just because so many styles are being adorned with ruffles, bows and petals. Even the materials are super-girly, from tiny floral prints to splashy watercolors.
With so many options, it can be tough for the shoe-obsessed to choose. So we've narrowed the field to two key looks:
For day, the sweet and practical kitten heel steps back into the limelight.
For night, the sky-high heel still rules, but with the retro flair of peep toes and ankle straps.
THE KITTEN HEEL
WHY: If you're rocking those “Mad Men”-inspired retro styles (ladylike bouffant skirts and sheath dresses), you already know why this shapely lower heel is a fashion must. Yes, just a year or two ago, the kitten was on all sorts of “out” lists. But no shoe that's this versatile (and comfortable!) deserves to stay away for very long.
KEY FEATURES: A curvy heel from 1 to 2 inches high, pointed or peep toes, slingback straps.
LOOK FOR: Uppers made of distressed metallic leather, to resemble the glam pastel brocades of the 1960s.
THE RETRO PUMP
WHY: Because, when hitting the clubs, nothing else looks so good with your sexiest bandage dress. They also look great peeking out from your best dark-wash jeans.
KEY FEATURES: Peep toes, ankle straps and sky-high attitude (for the true retro feel, look for heels that are a bit thicker and more shapely than last season's skinny stilettos).
LOOK FOR: A bright color (purple and red are hot), especially in patent leather.
FLATS TAKE A BIG STEP FORWARD
Flat-heeled shoes have stepped up their game. And just in time to complement this year's longer, more languid fashion silhouette.
Use patent leather or embellishment to make a daytime outfit dressier, metallic leather for a cocktail or evening ensemble.
Paola Venturi, creative director of Via Spiga, keeps footwear neutral with a colorful ensemble. Try a bronze T-strap with a dress in a bright hue like carrot or tomato red.
“I love a graphic-print, black-and-white dress with a granite version. For the '70s influence, a thong is really sophisticated."
This story includes information from The Associated Press.
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